Long range gun and projectile therefor



'Oct. 9, 194-5. w p HUNSDORF 2,386,685

LONG RANGE GUN AND PROJECTILE THEREFOR Filed July 5, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet1 vew'rom MLL/AM F? HUNSDORF' Oct. 9, 1945. w. P. HUN SDORF 4 2,386,686

. LONG RANGE GUN AND PROJECTILE THEREFOR Filed July 5, 1941 -2sneets-snet 2 101 1 /NVENTOR: Hall I WILLIAM I? Ham/scam Patented Oct.9, 1945 LONG RANGE GUN AND PROJECTILE THEREFOR William P. Hunsdorf,Cleveland, Ohio, assignor of one-third to JamesL. Meikle and one-thirdto William J. Wesseler both of Cleveland, Ohio Application July 5, 1941,Serial No. 401,127

2 Claims.

This invention, as indicated,v relates to a long range gunand projectiletherefor. More particularly it comprises a military unit in the formvention also includes a projectile having many of the features of theprojectile just referred to,

but adapted to be fired from guns of standard construction andespecially from smooth-bore guns not particularly modified toaccommodate such'projectile. For certain special purposes it may evenbefound desirable to fire a projectile having certain of the features ofthe invention from arifled gun barrel wherein an accelerated or modifiedstabilizing efiect is to be brought about. It is well recognized thatthere are disadvantages associated with the firing of projectiles fromrifled cannon and the like inasmuch as certain friction lossesareinevitable and the maximum propulsive effect of thegases cannot beattained. However, the spinning. of the projectile is essential toprevent the tumblingof the same, and this is brought about through thesacrifice of accuracy and range as well as a. reduced service life ofthe rifled cannon or similar projecting apparatus.

7 Many of the disadvantages just referredto can be avoided through. theuse of smooth-bore guns and a stabilizing means within the projectile.-Such, arrangement not only brings about greater accuracy and greaterrange but permits the manufacture-of guns and projectiles of greatersize without introducing destructive efiects upon the gun structure dueto vibration and'erosion and excessive heating. Such improved projectilealso does away with rotational drift. In addition such. projectileretains its stabilizingeffect in passing. fromthe airinto the waterreducing the tendency to ricochet; or in the event of such action, toresi'st being diverted angularly to the right as with present high.velocity projectiles fired from rifled guns. Such projectile.construction where the stabilizing effect is maintaineds floats theshell broadside Ion the air and with-such slower re. sponse to theangularfall brings about a greater range. A projectile of this type willhave increased muzzle velocity and will be free of vibration. .This,with theabsence of rotational drift, will. insure both accuracy andlongrange.

The principal object of thepresent invention is to avoid thedisadvantages of projectiles fired from rifled cannon and at the sametime to maintain or increase the accuracy of fire. v

Another-object of the invention is to provide for the construction ofguns of very long service life and free of excessive heating or otherdifiiculties of handling.

Another object of the invention is to provide for the construction ofguns of larger size than any now available and with reduced recoil andvibration when in operation. I

Another object of the invention is to provide for a gun having a highcapacity in the way of range and accuracy with larger projectiles andalso having greater simplicity and economy of construction andmaintenance. 1

Another object of the invention. is to provide a gun. and projectile sorelated to each other as to permit variation and control of thetranslational and rotational speeds of the projectile to bring aboutcertain predetermined effects.

Another object of the invention. is to provide projectile havingstabilizing .means within the same and free of the efiects of rotationaldrift.

Another object. of the invention is to provide a projectile of simpleand inexpensive construction which will travel from smooth-bore cannonwith greater accuracy and .longer range. than equivalent type ofprojectiles fired from rifled cannon.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projectile adapted. tobe discharged from a smooth-bore gun with a minimum use of themepulsiveagent for rotational effects and with a maximum use of such agent forpropulsive effects.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projectile free ofsidewise thrust and having a minimum of recoilefiect upon the gunmechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide for separate control ofthe rotational speed of the stabilizing unit and for the discharge ofthe projectile from the gun barrel.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear in the course ofthe following description.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention.then, consists of the means hereinafter fully describedand particularlypointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings and the followingdescription setting forth in detail certain structures embodying theinvention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but several formsin which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings: a

Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing the main portionof a, smooth-bore gun with an explosive. charge and with a projectilepartly in section, within the same, all embodying the principles of theinvention;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a modified form of gunstructure with a separate power unit to rotate the stabilizing rotor;

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing one method ofconstructing and assem-' bing a projectile with "an internal stabilizingrotor;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional View of the structure shown in Figure 3as seenaI ng-the-Jine; 4-4 of Figure 3, looking in the directionof thepassageway I! for the discharge of the gases 2 moving through'thepassageways l6, I2 and I1, as"'heretoforedescribed. The projectile I 4may *take various forms, but one type of the same is arrows Figs. 5 and6 are each fragmentary transverse;

sectional views of the structureishownf in Figur 3 as seen along thelines 5-5 and 6 -6, respec tively, of FigureflB, looking inthe"direction,re-.-

spectively, 0f the arrows;

' sure within such passageway may be controlled.

The passageway-1 2 is connected with communicating passageways l6 and I1extending transversely through the several members of the gun structureinto the powder chamber and projecvtile area, respectively.

An exit passageway I8 is provided opposite the illustrated in Figures 3to 6. The projectile has Fig. 7 is a central longitudinal sectional viewof a projectile with an internalstabilizing motor:

and with a self-containedrotor energizing unit;

Fig. 8 is a central longitudinal s-ectional view of aprojectile withan'internal stabilizing rotor adapted to be energized by the propulsivecharge inthe gun, r

Fig. 9 is a side elevation, .partlyin section, of a cartridge, case, orfixed ammunition, provided with a'projec'tile of the type shown in.Figure for large caliber ordnance; I

.Fig. 10, is a side elevation, partly inv section, of'a cartridge case,or fixed ammunition, provided with a projectile of the type illustratedin Figures 1 and 2, for large caliberordnance; and Fig. 11'is a sideelevation, partly in section, of, a cartridge case, or fixed ammunition,pro-. vided with a projectile having twin stabilizing rotors, eachsimilarto the rotor shown in Figures 1,2 and 1 I While the drawings showanumber of em bodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that agreat many variations and combinations of the features. shown may bemade. Likewise for certain special conditions, changes in the valveshapes and positions, and the use of springpressed, or frangible unionsfor the fluid'passageways. of thegun and projectile, maybe foundadvantageous; jWithhigh pressures and high veloci'ties in the largerunits the use of more expensive heat resisting' alloys is warranted andlonger" range may thus be assured throug the use of auxiliarymeans for Irotating the projectile stabilizing unit. On the other handtheself-contained, or 'propulsive'icharge means for energizingthestabilizing'r'otor, hasits o'wnadvantages in the medium size, moreportable units, and involveslesscare in manufacture, transportation andus'e,than is the case'with the 'projec tilesdesigned for the maximumperformance large sizeunits. H i p It is of course to be understood thatboth army and navy,"and' aircraft use of 'thismilitary unit is incontemplation V I has been stated, the invention may take various forms,and it 'is adapted particularly for heavy ordnance. When so-used the.modifications in the gun structure, additional to the omission ofi'therifiing, arefof relatively simple character. 'As shown in'Figure l ofthe drawing a large caliber gun I is provided, having a barrel 2 and theconventional supporting tubes and jackets 3, 4, 5. It also has'arearward supporting member 6, and has a breech block 1 and firingmechanism 8 of conventional construction. The barrel inaddition has atubular member ll ,en-, gaged-overthe rearward portion of the gun to therotor, and an exit I of the projectile.

the conventional timing device 2| and has space within the same for thebursting charge 22. It also has the conventional, bourrelet 23.andsealing band 24. The head of the projectile may have the usual ogive; 25, or may be modified in accordance with certain special uses, ormaycarry ,an auxiliary cap. A suitable baseplate 26 is, also.

provided. Each projectile is, provided with astabilizing unit which, ashas beenindicated, may,

take various forms. 7 In the construction shown in Figures 3 to 6 atubular casing, ,is provided;

having an end wall'32and a closure plate 33 at the opposite end The endwall and .closure plates are provided with recesses 34,35, respec;tively, to receive the stub shafts 36, '31, provided at the ends of thebodyof the,rotor 3 8.. .'1he

rotor is provided about theperipherywith a plurality of blades'39parallel to thejcentral axis of the rotor, and spaced from eachother asumcient distance to provide suitablereaction space for the gas jets forenergizing such rotor,] as will be hereinafter described. Atpointscentrally of the rotor the casing 3| is of reduced size 'inter-' mediateits ends so as to provide circumferential space 4| for part of thebursting charge. It is formed, however, witha pairof bosses 42', 43; Apassageway is formed through thewall of the projectilein alignment withthe boss 42 to provide entrance for the energizing fluid jet ifor Vpassageway 45 is provided extending through the boss 43 andthe' Wall ofthe. projectile; A plurality of reaction'fofisets 46 may, be formed onthe'inner wall of the casing over the path traveled by the rotorpropulsion gases to increasethe propulsive efiect of'such gases. Theends of the casing, as will belnoted' in Fig? ures' 5 and 6,, are cutaway at spaced intervals to 'provide' 'recesses 41 and spacinglugs 48,The lugs 48 bear frictionally against the 'inner'wall of the projectile,the forward lugs engaging against an annular projection 49 on the innerwall of the projectile, and the bosses 42 and 43 registering with thepassageways through. the projectile.

Agun equipped as above described will conserve some of the energy usedin the'rifle typepf'o'rdnance and transform it into propulsive energy. Asmall portion of the powder gas pressure resulting from the propulsivepowder charge will find its way through the passageway" tolthepassageways through the projectile so as to energ ize the rotor 38 and'efiect the'stabilization ot the proiec tile in such manner. Thepressure thus taken from the powder chamber i of negligible amountleaving substantially the entire expansiveforce o1 gasesto exerted,against the base I h Since there i's no ,frictiont -be overcome byrotating the entire projectile and the powder.

cutting grooves in the rotating band, as is the case with rifled cannon,the movement of the projectile in the smooth-bore gun illustrated willtake place more quickly than in the rifle cannon, and there will bereduced gas pressure within the barrel at the start of the discharge,but with a higher muzzle Velocity for the projectile by reason of bettersealing and more effective use of the powder gases. The size and speedof the rotor will be proportioned to the weight of the projectile andits proposed trajectory. Likewise the position of the rotor within theprojectile will be controlled by the general shape and weight of theprojectile, as well as the condition of its intended performance. Itwill be noted that upon the explosion of the projectile the burstingcharge will act upon the casing for the rotor and destroy someof thestructural features of the stabilizing device. Should it be deemed ofimportance a bursting charge may be placed within the rotor, and variousfracture lines may be placed across the projectile and the rotor so asto conceal the exact construction of the self-stabilizing projectile.

Under certain conditions it may be diflicult to maintain the gaspassageway l2 and its associated passageways in full operative conditionfree of obstruction, and in such case it may be desirable to useindependent means for energizing the rotor preliminary to the firing ofthe gun. One means of accomplishing this method of utilizing theinvention is disclosed in Figure 2 wherein the gun and projectile aresubstantially identical with those heretofore described, excepting as tothe auxiliary mechanism supported on the upper side of the center of thejackets 5| of the gun. Such mechanism may take various forms, but thestructure illustrated in Figure 2 provides a passageway 52 in the gunbarrel, such passageway having an entrance port 53 centrally of aprojection 54 against which cartridge chambers 55of a cartridge wheel 56are adapted to register in succession. The cartridge wheel is supportedon a boss 51 engaged by a pivot pin 58 extending through the hub 59 ofthe cartridge wheel. The firing mechanism for the cartridge is providedon an arm 6| mounted on the jacket 5| having an extension 62 riding overthe closed end of the cartridges as the cartridge wheel movesprogressively. The extension 62 is provided with a firing pin 63normally held retracted by means of a spring 64 and adapted to be forcedagainst the cap of the cartridge by means of the hammer 65 supported onthe pivot pin 66 at the upper portion of the arm 6|.

The projectile at first described is provided with a stabilizingrotoradapted to be energized by means of gas pressure received throughpassageways in the gun barrel. Other types of projectiles may beprovided, however, wherein the power to rotate the stabilizing elementis carried in the projectile itself, as in Figure '7, or is receivedthrough a passageway directly through the projectile structure, as isshown in Figure 8.

The construction shown in Figure 7 illustrates a projectile of thegeneral type heretofore described, the rotor H having angularly setvanes 12 adapted to be acted upon by powder gases generated in a chamber13 in the forward portion of the projectile, said chamber having anigniting device 14 and having a discharge passageway 15 in the path oftravel of the vanes and a discharge outlet 16 for the gases. The rotoris enclosed within a casing 11 similar to the casing 3!, heretoforedescribed, but has only the single boss 18 through which the passagewayT6 is provided.

Various ways may be provided for igniting, or initiating the gasdischarge from the chamber 13 under certain conditions instead of a slowburning powder in such chamber, since gas forming means, or compressedgases of various kinds may be enclosed within the chamber and subject toreleas preliminary to the discharge of the projectile, or at anystage-of its travel. Thus the rotor may be energized in the manner shownin- Figures 1 to 2, and thereafter its speed maintained by. means of aself contained power supply.

The projectile shown in Figure 8 is substantially similar in outline tothe projectiles heretofore described, and has a casing for the rotorsomewhat similar to that disclosed in Figure '7; such casing, however,has no lateral passageway, but instead has a plurality of passageways 8!connected with the passageway 82 positioned centrally within anextension bar 83 mounted centrally of the end plate 84 of the rotorcasing. The extension bar at the end is seated within a recess 85 in theend plate 86 of the projectile which end plate is provided with anenlarged central aperture 81 to permit the expanding powder gases of thepropul-' sion charge to enter into the passageways 82 and 8| and toimpinge upon the vanes 88 cf the rotor which is mounted, as heretoforedescribed, within the rotor casing 89. Passageways 9| are providedinsubstantial alignment with the discharge ports of the passageways iii topermit free discharge of the explosion gases at the forward end of theprojectile. 'Valves 92 are provided at the outer" ends of the passageway9| to allow the gases to pass freely outwardly from the projectileduring the high pressure period on the base of the pro jectile andthereafter to close through the action of the air pressure on theforward portion of the projectile. The valves are provided with stems 93and springs 94 to normally maintain them in closed relation. It' will benoted that after the rotor is energized the closing of the valves at theforward end of the projectile will virtually pro-' vide a low pressurechamber within which the r0- tor may continue its free rotation at highspeed. The reduced pressure within the casing 'forjthe rotor will bepresent also in the other types of projectiles described inasmuch'asthere will be a suction or aspirating effect on the lateral ports of therotor'cha'rnber when th projectile is in high velocity flight.

The projectiles heretofore described have been of the type designed forlarge caliber units wherein -a separate powder charge is utilized.However, the invention is applicable to projectiles for guns of lessercaliber using fixed "ammunition. Theadaptation of the invention forfixed ammunition units is disclosed in Figures 9 to 11, inclusive.

The projectile shown in Figure 9 is substantially identical with thatshown in Figure 8, and like reference characters have been applied tothe parts thereof. Such projectile, it will be noted, is seated within acartridge casing NH carrying the propulsive charge I02. The casing isprovided with the usual flange and percussive cap of conventionalconstruction.

The units of fixed ammunition disclosed in Figures 10 and 11 are of thetype shown in Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, wherein the stabilizing rotorH13 is energized through pressure gases received through a passagewayI04 communicating with passageways within the gun similar to those shownin Figures 1 and 2. The pressure gas discharge is through the passagewayI05. The

structure shown in Figure 11 includes a plurality of rotors I06, I01,similar in action to the rotor I03 shown in Figure 10. 'The rotor casingI08, it will be noted, is provided with a plurality of .bosses I09through which the inlet passageways I I I for the pressure gases and theoutlet passageways 2 for such pressure gases, are formed. The use of tworotors within the projectile provides for a certain measure of controlthrough a variation of speed or direction of one or other of the rotors.Thus the rotor may be used to neu-' tralize the stabilizing effect at acertain stage of travel of the projectile, and this may be accomplishedby having one rotor operate in the normal manner, heretofore described,and having the second rotor operate only when energized by a mechanism',such as is disclosed in Figure 7, and this mechanism may be timed tooperate at any predetermined period of lapsed time during the flight ofthe projectile. The second rotor may also be used as part of a timingmechanism to release articles carried in a chamber of the projectile,such as incendiary fragments, or other items of aerial warfare as arenow in use. 'The rotors also may be set at different angles.

The advantages of the various embodiments of the invention abovedescribed have already been set forth in part. It should be mentioned,however, that there are so many minor or incidental factors that enterinto precision 'performan'ceof various types of guns and cannon that itis more accurate to regard them as integral and necessary parts of thecombination rather than to state certain of the features alone bringabout the highest performance. These various factors working togetherthus produce higher velocity and longer range for the projectile havingequal propulsive charge and in addition reduce or eliminate vibrationand side thrust.

The absence of rifling permits more efiicient sealing adjacent the baseof the projectile and at the same time reduces or eliminates thedestructive erosion. The degree of ratio of rotary stabilizing movementmay be proportioned to the degree of translational movement applied tothe projectile or its parts. In view of the fact that the stabilizingrotor operates in a partial vacuum or area of reduced pressure themaintenance of a high degree of stabilizing effect maybe carried onwithout increasing the drift or introducing non-uniform air pressure tointerfere with the predetermined trajectory of the projectile or bringabout loss of equilibrium before the objective is reached. In additionto the matter of improved performance of guns and cannon, particularlythose of larger caliber, there are important advantages in the way ofquantity production of the units of the various sizes without sacrificesof accuracy of performance. includes economies of material and labor,greater ease of transportation to the place'of use as well as handlingin action.

, The gun or cannon also, by reason of its structural featuresmentioned, is less diflicult to maintain in continuous service thanstructures of equivalent size of present types of such units.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employedinstead ofIthose ex.-

plained,change being made as regards the'structureherein disclosed,provided the means stated by any of the following claims or theequivalent tile, means providing a duct extending transversely throughsaidprojectile and chamber, a source of pressure, and means withinsaid'pro} jectile discharging device connecting one end of said ductwith said source of pressure and'means within the said discharge deviceconnecting the other end of said duct to the atmosphere therebyproviding a free open passageway extending transversely through saidprojectile discharge device and said projectile for gases to rotate saidstabilizing member.

2. A projectile adapted to be received in a dis charge device saiddischarge device having a bore and having an inlet passageway transverseof the bore and communicating at one end With the bore and at'the otherend with a source of pressure, and having an outlet passage-waycommunicating at one end with the bore and at-the other end with theatmosphere; said projectile having a chamber formed therein, astabilizing member supported for rotation Within said chamber upon alongitudinal axis of said projectile,'means pro viding a duct extendingtransversely through said projectile and chamber, said projectile 'socon structed, proportioned and arranged that when received-in the boreof said discharge device with one end of said duct in registry with theinlet passageway of said device the other end'is in registry with theoutlet passageway, whereby gases may be forced from the source ofpressure through the passageways and duct torotate-said stabilizingmember. Y

' WILLIAM P. HUNSDORF.

Such production also

